God of Tricksters

When Clone Theo returned to the group, there was a sign of relief from Agata, knowing everything seemed to be fine. 

"So, yeah… I found another tunnel at the bottom. The tunnel led me to a metal door. I am afraid to break it since it may lead us somewhere and awaken whatever lies behind the door.

"For now, I don't hear anything from behind the door, so I think we're clear to back out. What's the procedure again?" Theo asked. 

Agata closed her eyes for a moment before replying, "To be honest, if this is a normal situation, we will need to proceed to gain some understanding about the room behind that door.

"However, we need to consider the fact that this tunnel looks artificial. If there's indeed another intelligent species behind that door, I'm afraid it will be too dangerous for us, considering we don't know anything about them.

"Also, there is a chance of them being far stronger than us. Do you remember anything visible on that door? Like a pattern or something?" Agata asked. 

Theo raised one finger. "The door itself was a simple metal plank. However, I saw a carving of a hammer there. I didn't find anything else." 

"A hammer… As expected, it should be another intelligent species. We need to proceed with caution." Agata looked down, contemplating their choice. 

"Still, it might be a facility from humans. I mean, I have seen an underground facility." Theo shared a bit of information regarding the illegal goblin experiment facility. 

"Still, there's no need to make unnecessary tunnels since this place is originally hidden. Without the crack, you can't enter this place." She turned around and pointed at the tunnel behind them. "In other words, they need this tunnel for whatever reason. It's not like humans at all."

"Well…" Theo scratched the back of his head. He also remembered the fact that they were using lamps instead of crystals.

After considering a few things, he asked, "Okay. Let's assume we're dealing with another intelligent species. What's the procedure?"

"We will need to inform the War God Family about our finding and negotiate the reward. But since you're close to Sir Leonardo, you can get an even better term if you go to him." Agata offered a solution. 

"I see. That's the safer option, I guess." Theo nodded with a serious expression. 

Suddenly, Ava raised her head and looked around. "Theo."

Theo turned around and saw Ava's confusion. "What's wrong?"

"I can hear many footsteps suddenly." Ava frowned and pointed in all directions. "But they're everywhere and I can't pinpoint their exact locations. The sounds are echoing in all directions... The only thing I know is that they're behind the walls."

"Walls?" Theo frowned and asked, "Maybe what you're listening to right now is the vibration from people outside this place? Maybe a few people are climbing the mountain?"

"No. I believe it's around us. We need to get out of here." Ava shook her head.

Since he had been teaming up with Ava this whole time, Theo agreed without hesitation, knowing their life might be in danger. "Okay. Let's go out."

Theo turned around as Agata followed her. 

When they were about to rush to the gap, Ava shouted. "They're coming!"

"!!!" Agata and Theo raised their eyebrows as soon as they heard rumbling sounds from their surroundings.

Theo looked to the right and found the wall split open like it was a door and several figures emerged from the hole.

Agata turned to the left and saw the same opening with two figures left the hole and jumped on her.

Ava, on the contrary, noticed more than what they were aware of. Now that she confirmed there were figures everywhere, she instantly counted them and said, "There are sixteen of them." 

Theo immediately summoned his clone, preparing to leave this place. Unfortunately, he couldn't really escape from this hole directly to the outside, but he planned to use his Blink to send him not far from the gap. 

The figures didn't plan to let them leave as they ambushed them. 

Theo ducked down as an axe almost sliced his neck. While trying to grab Agata's hand, Theo tried to take a glimpse of these figures. 

The figures turned out to be humanoid monsters. They had muscular bodies, but their height was barely half of his. Their skin was slightly brown, making their skin look like dirt. 

Still, Theo immediately recognized them the moment he saw their long pointed ears. He instantly knew what kind of race they were dealing with, considering it was very popular on Earth.

"Dwarf?"

"!!!" Agata blocked the axe and noticed their figure too, confirming Theo's word. 

The moment they heard Theo's voice, they frowned and seemed to have reached a conclusion. 

They immediately swung their axes together to kill both Agata and Theo.

However, the trio soon disappeared as soon as Theo grabbed Agata's hand. 

"!!!" They were baffled by the sudden disappearance before turning to the dark tunnel, knowing Theo was there. 

Without hesitation, they chased after him. 

Theo and Agata exchanged looks as they seemed to have come to an agreement. While running away, Theo said, "This is… beyond our capacity."

"Indeed."

The two knew they needed to escape immediately to tell Leonardo about this finding. If these dwarves they found were similar to the legend, they would be a great ally to have, considering they could make equipment for them. 

However, their luck ran short as a shadow appeared in front of them. 

Before they could do anything, a powerful impact hit their stomachs, launching them back to the dwarves they left behind. 

"Kh." Theo hurriedly used his Telekinesis to counter the force and stopped both of their bodies before reaching the dwarves behind them. 

The moment they stopped, Ava leaped forward and turned into her battle form before hitting the dwarf that sent them flying. 

The dwarf caught her lightning-covered fist easily and threw her to the wall. 

Bam.

"Grrr…" Ava gritted her teeth, enduring the pain as she planned to create another opportunity to escape. 

But the dwarf already stated with a firm tone. "Capture them.. The Saint wants them alive."